BCAB Coaching Podcast

S6 Ep4 How Slalom can make you a better coach with Gareth Wilson

Gareth Wilson is the guest for this episode of the coaching podcast, talking to Chris Brain about coaching slalom.

Gareth holds a Level 4 Coach Award and works full time at Lee Valley in his role as Podium Technical Coach. He has a broad experience of paddlesport, from running rivers in the South Alps, jumping in C2s at National Sprint Regattas to raft racing in Costa Rica and canoe touring the Dordogne. However, he has spent the last 28 years learning, competing and coaching canoe slalom in the UK and across the world. 

The topics discussed by Chris and Gareth include:

• Coaching slalom using creative challenges
• Developing adaptability in a paddler’s technique
• How to encourage longevity in the sport by developing the whole paddler
• Developing novice and elite level paddlers
• Using flat water as a training tool

If you have any questions for Gareth, please message: gareth.wilson@paddleuk.org.uk.

To download the transcript for this episode click here.

S6 Ep3 Coaching Canoeing with Sarah Keight

Sarah Keight is a canoe coach who enjoys sharing her passion for one blade and big boats, tapping into her sport science and educational background to support her learners. Sarah runs her own business – SKapades, providing a range of training, development and adventurous experiences.

The topics discussed by Chris and Sarah include:

• Ways coaches can introduce beginners to trad canoe
• Is the J Stroke an over coached technique?
• Exploring river skills such breaking in and out and how to coach them
• Coaching skills such as poling, tracking and sailing

To download the transcript for this episode click here.

S6 Ep. 2 TALENT Helping paddlers to understand their why with Ciara Sampson

This podcast episode is brought to you by the England Talent Programme where Daniel Thompson (Slalom Foundations and Support Lead) and Ciara Sampson (Volunteer Psychologist for the England Slalom Talent Programme) discuss the topic of purpose.

In this podcast episode we'll discuss the importance of having a purpose, how this can help to set goals, the importance of having an athletic identity and the role that a coach and parent can play in this. 

To download the transcript for this episode click here.

S6 Ep1 White Water Kayaking with Jamie Greenhalgh

In this episode, Chris Brain and Jamie Greenhalgh discuss what are the most important skills that a coach could develop with a new, novice white water paddler. If you're a seasoned paddler looking for new ideas or a coach seeking fresh perspectives, you won't want to miss this episode!

Jamie is a white water kayaking coach and is on the BCAB White Water Tech Group. His business, Paddle365, delivers white water skills courses throughout the year as well as white water leadership and safety training for Paddle UK. His approach to coaching prioritises learning through adventure and challenge, and helping paddlers to feel the joy of skillful movement in a boat.

To download the transcript for this episode click here.

S5 Ep14 Stand Up Paddleboard White Water Height Management with Adam Burns and Anthony Ing

On today's podcast with Lee Pooley, Adam Burns and Anthony Ing share their knowledge and experience of white water SUP height management and how we can improve our stability and safety on the board.

Adam has worked in paddlesport since 2008 and is a qualified Coach up to Advanced level. He is an active paddleboarder and kayaker, which led him to becoming a course provider and national trainer.  Adam has recently taken up the role of Development Manager with Paddle Scotland.

Anthony is a specialist in white water with a wealth of river experience.  An accomplished instructor dedicated to unlocking the potential in everyone, Anthony navigated his way up the coaching ladder to become the youngest to achieve the highest BCU qualification, the Level 5 Coach. Anthony is currently a technical advisor for Paddle UK and coach educator in white water SUP. 

To download the transcript for this episode click here.

S5 Ep. 13 White water features with Simon Westgarth

Simon Westgarth shares his knowledge and experience of white water features, how to use them and how to coach with them, on today’s podcast with Lee Pooley.

Simon is a BCU level 5 coach, the White Water Tech Group Chair and the founder of Gene 17 kayaking, running trips and adventures across the globe. Simon values the ideals of adventure kayaking, going to new places, experiencing new cultures and paddling new rivers.

Topics of today's podcast include: 

• Recognising and using features to your advantage
• The tactics of white water
• Exploring different techniques for novices and advanced white water paddlers

To download the transcript for this episode click here.

S5 Ep.12 Turning in the wind with Olly Saunders

Olly Sanders joins Lee Pooley for today’s podcast about turning in the wind.

Olly is a BCU Level 5 Sea Kayak Coach and has been playing on the Snowdonia and Anglesey coastline for 20 years. Olly has spent 12 years as a Senior Instructor at Plas y Brenin and owner of Rock and Sea Productions. He has been on many expeditions and trips, including Alaska, India, Nepal, Patagonia and Peru.

Sea kayaking is the focus for today’s conversation, topics include:

• the multiple factors that affect turning in the wind
• Introducing novices to turning their craft in the wind
• when to use skegs and rudders

To download the transcript for this episode click here.

S5 Ep.11 TALENT Resilience with Daniel Thompson and Tom Haines

This podcast episode is brought to you by the England Talent Programme where Daniel Thompson (Slalom Foundations and Support Lead) and Tom Haines (Volunteer Psychologist for the Paracanoe Talent Academy) discuss the topic of resilience. In this podcast episode we'll discuss what resilience is, why it's an important characteristic for an athlete, how coaches can develop and build resilience within their coaching practice and we'll also be discussing how parents can help their child to develop resilience.

To download the transcript for this episode click here.

S5 Ep.10 100th episode with Chris Brain

It’s a very special episode of the Coaching Podcast today, as Chris Brain joins Lee Pooley for the 100th episode! 

Chris has worked in the outdoors for over 25 years coaching and guiding and delivering professional development courses.  Chris delivers across a range of BCAB Coaching, Leadership and Safety programmes, as well as being a National Trainer.

This episode of the podcast includes: 

• Chris and Lee share their favourite podcast episodes to date
• Lee shares the most listened to podcasts each series, as well as the countries listeners are tuning in from
• Lee shares his words of wisdom and highlights of the podcast and hands over the baton to Chris, as the new presenter of the Coaching Podcast 

To download the transcript for this episode click here.

S5 Ep.9 Performance Coach with Tony Smith

Tony Smith, Chair of Teignbridge Canoe Club, joins Lee Pooley for today's podcast focussed on the Performance Coach. 

This insightful listen is useful for anyone considering the Performance Coach. Topics covered include:

• how the Performance Coach has helped with Tony's coaching practice and the highlights of the journey
• how Tony is implementing the skills he's learnt at the club, as well as how this award has benefitted the club
• Tony talks about having a growth mindset and the next steps on his journey

To download the transcript for this episode click here.